One of the many issues plaguing electric tricycles is battery range. Most electric trikes can’t provide the same level of mileage as a two-wheeled eBike, even with larger batteries. 

There are many reasons for this issue. Most of the time, it has to do with the high-power motor and the extra bulk of the electric tricycle. As a result, heavy electric tricycles eat up more battery life and give out low range. 

What’s the solution to this? Reduce the footprint of electric trikes or use larger batteries? Well, both solutions can apply, but if you need a hefty electric tricycle for carrying heavier cargo and passengers, you can’t reduce the footprint. 

The only solution is multi-battery packs or larger batteries. Larger batteries can be heavier and difficult to maintain but if you have several smaller battery packs, they can be easier to deal with. 

So let’s discuss the good and the bad about dual battery electric tricycles. We’ll also cover the best models out there and how to use dual-battery electric trikes effectively. 

The Best Dual Battery Electric Trike of 2024

If you’re interested in a high-range electric trike with dual or multiple battery packs, just know that it’s somewhat challenging to find reliable options. Most of the time, you’ll have to stick with regular electric trikes that support single batteries and carry an extra battery and swap it in every time. 

That said, Addmotor has provided two options that stand in as the best dual-battery electric trikes to date. This includes the Addmotor GREATTAN and the GREATTAN L.

Both electric trikes support a dual-battery configuration with a hot-swappable feature. Also, unlike other brands, you have the option to decide between a GREATTAN with a single battery and a GREATTAN with both batteries pre-installed. 

In any case, you always have the option to hot-swap the batteries. Both variations support the dual-battery configuration. You’ll just have to purchase a battery separately if you buy the single-battery option. 

Similar Specs of the GREATTAN Models

Both the GREATTAN L and regular GREATTAN cargo electric trike share the same motor and battery specs. The motor is a 48V 750W rear-mounted motor that can provide 90 Nm of torque with 1400W maximum.

Meanwhile, the battery setup can accommodate two 48V/20Ah battery packs. These are both removable and swappable with spare batteries. 

Other than that, things like the:

• Wide cushioned saddle with backrest
• EB 2.0 system
• Front Racks
• 4-inch fat tires
• Double shoulder suspension fork

Stay the same. 

What Makes the GREATTAN L Different From the Regular GREATTAN

So if you didn’t know already, the GREATTAN L is somewhat pricier than the regular GREATTAN. However, this is fully justified since the GREATTAN L packs more specialized features. 

One of the most obvious features is the large passenger seat that’s right behind the main saddle. This makes the GREATTAN L a passenger e-trike, whereas the regular GREATTAN is just that: a regular electric tricycle. 

So if you’re a parent or family member, the GREATTAN L can be a great fit. The rear passenger seat can accommodate a regular adult or two children safely. It has seatbelts and a well-cushioned seat along with a footrest. 

Also, some of the performance specs are different on the GREATTAN L. For starters, it has a slightly higher payload capacity of 500 lbs. This means 350 lbs for the rider’s side and 150 lbs for the rear passenger seat. 

Meanwhile, the regular GREATTAN has a rear cargo rack with a 350/100-pound payload capacity split. 

Also, the effective battery range is slightly different. The GREATTAN L can do 130+ miles with the dual battery setup. Meanwhile, the regular GREATTAN can top that at 160+ miles (both at PAS level 1). 

But despite these minor differences, the choice is pretty obvious. You get more value for money with the GREATTAN L. 

The only thing you’re missing is the rear cargo rack but you can make it work with the passenger seat as an impromptu cargo storage solution. Just be sure to use cargo netting around the sides to prevent stuff from falling off the seat. 

Why Multi-Battery Packs are Better Than Larger Batteries for eTrike?

Initially, you might think that having to deal with several batteries can be too much of a hassle compared to one big battery. However, that is not the case with electric trikes. 

What’s great about multi-battery packs is their modular flexibility. You can easily swap out battery packs without affecting the others. This means you don’t have to shut off the electric trike or stop the trike while replacing the batteries. 

Also, thanks to this modularity you can plan and use the right amount of batteries to fit the journey. That way, you don’t have to charge extra batteries for a small trip. 

On the flip side, the multiple battery packs add to the redundancy of the electric trike. So if one pack fails or you forget to charge, you can still rely on the rest to take you to your destination. 

Other than that, multiple or dual battery packs are better for electric trikes because of:

• Weight Distribution: Batteries can be heavy, even smaller ones. So with modular batteries, you can switch things around and adjust the weight distribution to fit your riding style. 

• Scalability and Cost Efficiency: Batteries are also expensive. So if you can’t afford a second battery or multiple ones right away, you can start with a single battery and purchase spares later on. 

• Rapid Charging: You can combine multiple battery chargers to charge your batteries faster. This way, you don’t have to remind yourself to swap out batteries from the charger every time. 

• Improved Thermal Efficiency: Multiple battery packs produce less heat. Also, since they are situated away from each other, there’s less chance of overheating or posing a fire hazard. 

• Extended Battery Life: Of course, you can rotate multiple battery packs with your electric trike and keep riding indefinitely. 

Situations Where a Dual-Battery Electric Tricycle Can Come in Handy

Sure, an electric trike with a dual battery can be expensive upfront. Not to mention the extra weight can make it difficult to store and transport. 

Even so, the extra battery range can be very useful in many situations. For starters, a dual-battery electric trike is the perfect option for food delivery riders or professional riders who need to keep riding full-time.

How the Dual Battery Setup is Amazing for Professional Riders

Thanks to the dual battery configuration, professional riders can keep riding the electric trike indefinitely. They can ride with one battery while they charge the other one back at their home or office. 

Then, when the first battery is drained, they can return to the office, swap it out and keep rotating the batteries. 

Other than that, the swappable battery system is great for bikepackers and anybody else. They can ride for longer distances with the dual battery configuration. Also, if they’re willing to carry spare batteries, they can easily swap this in and squeeze out even more range. 

But a dual-battery setup is not just for tourists and food delivery riders, these are also useful for:

• Families with Kids: Some dual-battery electric trikes are powerful enough to accommodate passengers and cargo trailers. 

• Seniors: Seniors might not need the extra battery range. However, the higher capacity can help them ride the throttle for longer distances. Also, they don’t need to remind themselves to recharge the battery as much. 

• People Looking to Ditch Their Car: A dual-battery electric trike can make a great car replacement. Thanks to the extra mileage, you can use it for commuting and running errands the entire day without worrying about the battery. 

• People Living Off-Grid or in Rural Areas: Since you’ll have limited access to electricity, a dual-battery electric trike can make a world of difference. You’ll be able to ride further and get more done without having to find power or a charging station everywhere you go. 

Disadvantages of Owning a Dual-Battery Electric Tricycle

The cost is one of the many reasons that most people avoid going for dual-battery electric trikes. Most manufacturers try to push the second battery along with the whole package, because of this, the price can be way too much. 

But even without this, dual-battery electric trikes tend to be more expensive overall. This is because they need a special frame that can secure both batteries and keep them safe. Also, they need extra circuits that synchronize the power from both batteries and facilitate the hot-swap or quick-replace feature.  

But apart from the higher price tag, a dual-battery electric trike can also run into issues with:

• Complicated Maintenance: Most eBike repair shops will charge you extra to maintain and repair an electric tricycle. This is because they are difficult to maintain, and need extra parts and greater expertise.

• Increased Weight: Although batteries are not that heavy, adding 2-3 batteries to your electric trike can affect the weight. This can mean you’re losing out on your payload capacity and other performance aspects. 
• Energy Management: Since you have to manage multiple batteries, you’ll have to be extra vigilant when planning your rides. This means reminding yourself to top up your batteries and also remembering to rotate batteries if you’re riding all day. 

So there are certain challenges associated with owning a dual or multi-battery electric tricycle. But as long as you know about these and plan ahead, you should be fine. 

Wrapping Up

Dual-battery electric trikes offer several advantages. They are great options for full-time riders, parents and seniors. 

Maybe they need to ride the throttle for longer or they need to keep riding the entire day. In any case, dual-battery electric trikes are the best fit. 

That said, these trikes can be significantly expensive and maintaining them can be a chore. Even more so since repair shops can charge extra to work on these. 

Addmotor recommends their GREATTAN lineup if you’re in the market for a dual-battery electric trike. The GREATTAN L has a passenger seat while the regular GREATTAN has a cargo rack instead. Regardless, both share the same dual-battery setup and similar battery mileage.